The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has formally inaugurated its Confederal Parliament in Niger’s capital, Niamey, marking a new phase in the political integration of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The new legislative body comprises 45 representatives, drawn from the three member states.
Its inaugural session was held Monday at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Centre in Niamey. Niger’s Prime Minister, Lamine Zeine Ali Mahaman, represented head of state General Abdourahamane Tiani at the ceremony.
Ousmane Bougouma, president of Burkina Faso’s parliament, presided over the opening proceedings. Mali’s Malick Diaw and Niger’s Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey were appointed as vice-presidents of the new institution.
The 45 representatives were formally sworn in by acclamation, officially launching the parliament’s activities.
The parliament is expected to provide citizens of the three countries with representation at the confederal level while contributing to the development of joint political and institutional structures within the AES.
The institution is the latest development in the bloc’s push for closer integration. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger initially strengthened their alliance through the Liptako-Gourma Charter, signed in September 2023, before formally transforming the partnership into a confederation in July 2024.
Since then, the three countries have expanded cooperation in political, security and economic affairs, pursuing a more closely integrated regional partnership outside the framework of the wider West African integration system.
